Stylized sincerity in Gaga: Five Foot Two

by Grace Marks

Have you ever watched a movie with someone who points out the product placement in every scene? It’s annoying and only makes you more aware. There is a new documentary on Netflix that can’t help but give those who watch, that same overly conscious feeling. Gaga: Five Foot Two, although a documentary, feels as if we are being sold Lady Gaga, she is the product placement. This recently released feature is an invited insight into the life of pop music’s most unconventional and provocative leading lady ─ Lady Gaga. Director Chris Moukarbel has created an arty snapshot, using sincere and down-to-earth filters that, although endearing, fail to mask the promotional flavour contaminated by the documentary’s producer: Gaga herself.

It has been a wild ride for Miss Stefani Germanotta, or Lady Gaga to her 25.6 million followers on Instagram. Known for her bold outfits, outrageous performances and her ahead-of-the-game career moves, Gaga has remained predictable by flaunting unpredictability. It seems however Gaga has had a change of heart, declaring an end to this flamboyant chapter with stylized sincerity in Five Foot Two.

The 140 minute feature follows Gaga’s record, release and promote her new album, Joanne. Joanne was Gaga’s aunt who passed away at age nineteen due to an incurable illness. Gaga has written a song written about the aunty she never had the chance to meet and plays it to her grandmother for the first time. It is an intimate experience that makes viewer’s feel almost as if they are intruding on a very personal, sacred moment. This moment appears sincere however the cameras are conveniently ready, creating an odd orchestrated vibe. This isn’t found footage, this is all scripted. Audience members are given beautifully crafted shots of Gaga’s grandmother looking through old photographs, reminiscing on past times as well as Gaga explaining to a New York Times representative what this album means to her.  The feature also focuses on Gaga’s acceptance, creation and execution of her 2017 Super Bowl performance; her “biggest moment” yet. Whilst these instances are genuine, they almost seem too perfect. Gaga’s most recent hit comments on this very idea. Perfect Illusion not only could be the name of this documentary but also the name of Gaga’s entire business plan. What is she curating next for her fans? Although leaving an advertised taste in the viewer’s mouth, it should be begged, is there anything wrong with crafted emotional scenes? Selling yourself in a certain way? Is this movie style promotion really any different to the social media curation we see from pop star’s everyday?

This is a celebratory documentary but unlike the exceptional 2015 release of AMY, this is a film about an artist who is still alive, is still making music and hence is still trying to promote a long lasting career. Although AMY being a few years older, AMY and Gaga: Five foot two, both went live on Netflix at the same time. There is something about making a documentary focusing on someone that is still alive that is perhaps a bit self-indulgent, especially, let’s face it, when their name is in the producers list. Her talent is undeniable. Her resilience and strong nature is a highlight of the film. Gaga struggles with a physical pain in her muscles throughout her body, a radiating agony that flows from her toes to her face. It’s this side of Gaga that is extraordinary, her ability to get on with a blockbuster show is hugely impressive, however the portrayal is overshadowed by the film being heavily angled towards pulling for those relatable heart strings; it’s controlled exposure. This is done through finely crafted music scenes followed by Gaga candidly expressing deep thoughts on topics ranging from how she deals with fame, the breakdown of relationships and the constant pressure to evolve. Although all interesting topics, it’s hard not to see this as a kind of press release, giving the fans a taste of what’s to come and just why they should buy the record.

What is especially interesting about this kind of film is that it does give some fans exactly what they want. Gaga and pop stars alike, continuously give their audience more and more content to drool over. Between Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, reality shows and music videos, artists are more than ever in control of what they give out and don’t give out to their fans.

The feature title isn’t just a comment on her slight frame but is also a reference to Gay Lombardo & Kenny Gardner’s 1940 track, Five foot two. The blues town vibes are ever present in this collection of artful snippets of “genuine reality.”

Gaga should be commended for the values she promotes. She advocates strongly against the norm and proclaims individuality and acceptance for those who wish to unleash their inner “monster.” This documentary does show that, however if it’s self-proclaimed as stripped back, is it really a genuine depiction of an artist?